The Basics Reproduction is the method in which organisms produce offspring Genetics and Reproduction among the most rapidly changing technologies in today’s animal science industry

Bull Reproductive Tract

Sow Reproductive Tract

Cow Reproductive Tract

Fertilization and Gestation Fertilization – Union of the male sperm and female egg Blastocyst – Stage of embryo when partitioned into two distinct cell populations Fetus – Stage when embryo develops and attaches to the uterus Gestation period – Time the female is pregnant from conception to birth

Fertility Factors Fertility Factors Males Cryptorchidism Lack of testes descent into the scrotum Motility Ability to move independently Morphology Size and shape of sperm

Fertility Factors Fertility Factors Males Freemartin Syndrome Female is born twin to a male Occurs due to the joining of the placental membranes Exposes the female to male hormones before birth Female reproductive organs to develop improperly

Estrous Cycle – Process a female animal’s body undergoes to prepare itself for reproduction Anestrus – Condition where the female does not cycle due to insufficient hormonal stimuli

Estrous Cycle

Hormones Hormones Chemical messengers carried in the blood to specific organs to change cellular activity

Reproductive management tool that involves the manipulation of the estrous cycle of females so they can be bred in a short amount of time either through artificial insemination or natural breeding Estrus Synchronization

Breeding Practices Natural Service – Male animal is allowed to directly mate with the female Pasture mating – Male is allowed to roam freely with the females Hand mating – Female is brought to the male for service Artificial insemination – Insemination gun or instrument is used to deposit semen into the reproductive tract of the female Embryo transfer – Embryos from one female are collected and then transferred into the reproductive tract of other females.

Male Poultry Reproductive System

Female Poultry Reproductive System